Countdown begins for Hospice Sunflower Days 2026 in Mayo
The public is urged to support local palliative care services as annual fundraiser returns on 12–13 June
The final countdown is underway for the 36th annual Hospice Sunflower Days campaign, with organisers calling on the public in Mayo to show their support for local palliative care services on Friday, 12 June and Saturday, 13 June.
The initiative, led by ‘Together for Hospice, the National Hospice Movement’ will see on-street collections take place across towns in both counties in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. Volunteers will also be selling sunflower-themed merchandise as part of the fundraising effort.
The campaign remains one of the most important annual fundraising drives for hospice and specialist palliative homecare services nationwide.
Organisers have emphasised that all funds raised locally stay within the local area, supporting patients and families receiving end-of-life and palliative care services in their own communities.
Supporters are encouraged to contribute by donating to on-street collectors or by purchasing sunflower merchandise from volunteers.
Donations can also be made online via www.sunflowerdays.ie.
Hospice Sunflower Days Ambassador Miriam O’Callaghan said the campaign offers a simple but meaningful way for the public to make a difference.
“With just a few days to go until the on-street collections for this year’s 36th campaign, I would encourage everyone to help make a difference by purchasing some sunflower merchandise or by donating online via the website,” she said. “All funds raised locally stays locally so your support really does impact your local palliative care services.”
Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation CEO Martina Jennings also urged the public to support the initiative, highlighting the importance of community fundraising to sustain services.
“With just a few days to go until our on-street collections on Friday, 12 June and Saturday, 13 June 2026 for the 36th year of the campaign we are calling on the public to support Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation by purchasing some sunflower merchandise from our volunteers to help us raise vital funds,” she said.
With demand for services continuing to rise as the population ages, organisers say fundraising campaigns such as Hospice Sunflower Days are essential to maintaining and expanding care. Funds raised help support new facilities, refurbishments, staffing, patient comforts and innovative care projects nationwide, supplementing core HSE funding.
The public is encouraged to support Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation by donating to on-street collectors on 12 and 13 June, or by contributing online at www.sunflowerdays.ie.